Mercer Island and South Lake Washington Loop (Steady)

If you are looking for a second-day ride in preparation for the Seattle to Portland ride, or just want to get out and explore Mercer Island and the south end of Lake Washington, consider joining me and others on this ride! If this looks familiar, you are correct. I most recently led this ride on May 12, and had posted this for Sunday, June 02. However, the weather prediction suggested Atmospheric River conditions and so I cancelled this ride as I didn't want to ride in a wet suit and snorkel.

Let's meet at Newcastle Beach Park at 9:30 a.m. Please Google Map this location if you are not already familiar with Newcastle Beach Park. Also, there is ongoing construction on I-405, so check that the drive time that to get to the ride start is accurate. Be there, ready to go at the time listed above. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

This ride, consisting of 2 partial loops, around Mercer Island and south end of Lake Washington, is among one of my popular favorites. Depending on the conditions, this should be a good ride for views of Mount Rainier and across Lake Washington. There will be a quick stop for coffee and snack at Caffe Vita near the Lakewood neighborhood. 

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and we will regroup frequently. We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH, occasionally 10 MPH).

Restrooms are available at the start. We will stop along the way for restrooms/water at Aubrey Davis park on Mercer Island (mile 14), and Gene Coulon Park in Renton (mile 28.4). We’ll stop for coffee/snacks at Cafe Vfita at mile 19.6.

Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Other things to bring: phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; ORCA card; water and a small snack. Please have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is cancelled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!